Traditional weaving method practiced by Tangkhul tribe
The unique weaving of the Tangkhul Naga tribe displays the rich talents of the local craftsmen and creative ideas, which they inherited from their forefathers. Indigenously weaved attires have been a part of the Tangkhul culture ever since the dawn of the tribe. From the fabrics to the dye of the attires, it is obtained from the rich forests of the Tangkhul hills. Since tales, folklore, histories, and details for various activities have been passed on to the next generation orally, there are no specific details about the whereabouts of the fabric or dye at the present.
Westernization made a huge impact on the weavers it led to a cultural shift in clothing. Ever since the traditionally weaved attires have been losing significance.
With the passing of time, the practice of traditional weaving is slowly vanishing. Earlier people often dressed in these attires for public gatherings, church services, and wedding ceremonies, sadly tables have turned. Also, as people are focusing more on education, little effort is made to keep traditional weaving alive, so far there are no schools or institutions for traditional weaving.
“In order to keep the traditional weaving alive there should be institutions set up particularly for it and people should be encouraged to take up such prestigious activities,” said K.P.Won Zingkhai, a traditional weaver from Ukhrul district, Manipur.
She also said, “It is sad to see the traditional weaving is gradually vanishing, and this was due to the older generation’s lack of interest in passing on the culture of weaving. She further emphasized that traditional weaving cause back pain but the joy of weaving far outweighs the pain”.
“It is the duty of both the parents and children to keep the traditional weaving alive, and there is no loss in learning how to weave. People should be taught the value of such traditionally woven attires, as it is the result of sweat and hard-wok, and a beautiful work of art passed on to us by our ancestors,” said Thotshangla Tungshangnao.
We are so lost in the western culture that we are slowly losing what is our own. While searching for gold we are going to lose our diamond. From modifying our sacred Traditional attires into Umbrellas, and traditional Kashan (Women’s wrap-around) into westernized skirts.
To some, this may seem creative or innovative. However this so-called creative or innovative is slowly deteriorating the significance of our traditional attires. Everything unique is not being creative or innovative; sometimes some things are best as it is. A nation with a lost culture is a lost nation. An individual is identified by their culture, and it is the people that give significance to their culture. As we move towards globalization, let us cherish and embrace our culture with pride.
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